FAQR Field Research

The Field Research Studies and Research Protocol work stream focused on work in Burkina Faso, Sierra Leone, and Malawi.

Field Research Studies

The Field Research Studies and Research Protocol team focused on:

  • Developing research protocols and implementing field research studies on food aid products;
  • Analyzing data and disseminating results through academic publications, conference presentations, workshops, and reports,
  • Conducting field studies in three countries, each with a slightly different aim:
    • Malawi – Aim: Determine the feasibility and cost-effectiveness of changes in CSB ration quantity, packaging and messaging among caregivers of children enrolled in a MAM treatment program. Status: field study complete; manuscript accepted for publication
    • Burkina Faso – Aim: In this geographically clustered four-pronged trial with random assignment, we aim to determine the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of four supplementary foods in the prevention of stunting and wasting in children aged 6 to 23 months. Children whose mothers had participated in a blanket supplementary feeding program while pregnant and lactating were eligible for enrollment when the ration was transferred to them, typically at age 6 months. A total of 6,112 children (~ 1,500 per study arm) were followed monthly during their time in the food distribution program (usually 18 months), and for three subsequent months post-intervention. Data were also collected on behavioral practices relating to supplement use. Primary outcomes were stunting at end-line and total monthly measurements of wasting. Status: Data collection complete. Data analysis and manuscript preparation.
    • Sierra Leone – Aim: Examine the effectiveness and cost- effectiveness of four foods in the treatment of MAM. This cluster-randomized, intent-to-treat clinical effectiveness study will enroll children six months to five years of age with mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) greater than or equal to 11.5 cm and less than 12.5 cm without bipedal oedema. Admitted children will receive one of the four supplementary food rations for up to 12 weeks, with follow-up thereafter to assess relapse. Among other elements, the study will capture sharing practices in the home and the effectiveness of social and behavior change communication.  Three sub-studies are also planned in the following areas: body composition, environmental enteric dysfunction (EED), and neurocognitive development.

 


Final Reports

Decision-Making and Lessons Learned in Field Study Design, Implementation, and Dissemination

Malawi 

Burkina Faso

Sierra Leone


Tools

Counseling Cards for Preparation and Consumption


Questions about this work stream?

Contact Principal Investigator, beatrice.rogers@tufts.edu.